Afternoon links: Meet the new guys

Here’s a picture of the two young Honduran defenders that have joined Sounders FC training camp on trial: Ever Alvarado (left) and Harlinton Gutierres. More pictures available at SoundersFC.com.

Alvarado turned 20 years old recently and I believe Gutierres is 19. Certainly they’ll have a shot to make the team, but even if their reported 10-day tryouts end without a contract offer, they could be ones to keep an eye on for the future.

Coach Sigi Schmid said he’ll have a better idea of how they’re doing by the end of the week.

Here are some links:

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— Be sure to check out this story on Steve Zakuani by Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated. It’s a well-written, in-depth piece on the midfielder’s recovery. Some material that might hit home to Sounders fans is what Wahl got from talking to Colorado’s Brian Mullan, who caused the injury with his reckless tackle last April.

— Elsewhere around MLS, Edson Buddle is coming back to the L.A. Galaxy after a failed stint in Europe, D.C. United signed a DP forward in Hamdi Salihi and Vancouver re-signed forward Camilo Sanvezzo to a new deal.

— Also on the local scene, the Sounders Women will hold open tryouts March 3-4 at Starfire from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration is free, though be prepared to pay for parking. You might notice the team has a new logo, as well.